

tyyt4^'L-^:^C^ 





/m- 



n 





Qass Lk 

Book xLlA1_ 

i n4 



IJ E- 



/ 



«^" 




W^ 



Jc^k'?rc n^ 



HAYNES 



A:f:^ 



ORATION. 




JULY 4, 1814. 



:,,... 4... >■ 



i . ^ ^- 1 



A.C 



C.^'UiiJS 



AN 



ORATION, 



DELIVERED In 

8T. PHILIP^S CIIURCIi; 

BEFORE THE INHABITANTS OF 

CILSRLESTOuY, SOUTH CJllOLIM^, 

ON MONDAY THE 4tii OF JULY, ISI 

IN' COMMI^MORATIOX OF 

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE i 

BY APPOINTMENT OF 

THE '7G ASSOCIATION, 

^ND PUBLISHED AT THE REqUEST OF THAT SOCIETY. 



BY ROBERT YOUNG HAYNE, 
.1 Member of the '76 Association. 

CHARLESTQ.Y: 

IXTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE CH ARLESTON GAZETTE 

1814 



'i- ^ V / 









©RATION 



Fellov,--Citzens ! 



OUR COUNTRY, at this moment, 
exhibits one of the most interesting spectacles, the 
world has ever seen. A spectacle, so august, so splendid, so 
sublime, that it must be grateful, to the sight of God and 
Man. Millions of freemen, now croud the temples of the 
Most High, and offer the incense of gratitude on his holy 
altars. Ten thousand voices, now chant " a nations choral 
hymn for tyranny overthrown." The war-worn veteran, 
<^' low-bowed" beneath the weight of years, comes forth once 
more to witness our joy. Assenting to the story of our na- 
tion's birth, he shakes his silver locks in mild applause, lives 
o*er each scene of former triumph, and offers his fervent 
prayer for the perpetuation of our liberties. Let us then, 
on this day, forgetting the cares and misfortunes of life, give 
ourselves wholly to our country, and like the children of one 
great family, celebrate the natal day of our common parent. 
There was a period, feilow-citizens, when the pcoud emo- 
tions of this day, were not mingled with one uncongenial 
feeling. With the first ray of morning light, every eye 
awoke to pleasure, every bosom expanded with joy. The 
rapturous enthusiasm which encircled the whole community, 
gave a character to our national festival, and eloquently told 
the world, that we were the members of a republic. No un- 
hallowed doubt, dared to intrude itself on our sacred joy. 
But have we not heard an orator* in a sister state exclaim^ 
*' that he was ready to exchange our government, for the 

* A member of the Slassachusets senate. 



6 

r^ritish constitution, monarchy and all ?" The benefits of our 
'- xioN have been questioned, and we are called upon, to es- 
tablish by reasoning, what once rested on the basis of uni- 
versal public feeling. It may not, therefore, be improper, 
on this occasion, brieily to consider the high priviieo;es of 
our country. 

In what then, my countrymen, does your superior lot con- 
sist ? Does the verdure of }-our fields (lelight the eye ? The 
vineyards of France and of Italy display equal heautv. Are 
your mountains, the objects of admiration ? Visit that unfor- 
tunate, though magnanimous people, who, once like your- 
selves triumphed over oppression, and in the Glaciers of 
Switzerland you will behold nature in all her grandeur and 
sublimity. It is not then, the superior natural advantages 
we enjoy, but the happy government under which we live, 
the government of laws, and not of men, that eminently 
distinguishes the American citizen, from iho subject of "a 
King. Theorists may speculate, and slaves affirm, that mo- 
narchy is best suited to the condition of our nature, but no 
country can be free in which the sovereign authority does not 
reside in the people. It has been said that rnan is not capa- 
ble of self-government^ '-hew then is he capable of s:overn- 
ing otiiers ?" 

The United States of America, is the only fvcc country 
on earth. In what period of the world has there existed a 
nation enjoying so much liberty, and so mucli rational hap- 
piness .^ In vain do we tread the mazes of history; that re- 
ciird of ambition, tyranny, and crime, affords no parallel. 
Home in all her greatness was an aristrocracv. The people 
possessed no privilege that was not extorted "by force. Tlie 
pressure of war alone, could relieve her from the convul- 
sions of civil discord. Hence Rome became "^* the mistress 
ot the world,"' but never was mistress of the affections of 
her citizens ; she was great, but not happy, enlightened, but 
not iree. Athens, with more practical liberty, had less se- 
curity. The dearest rignts of the citizen, were subject to 
the arbitrary control of' a giddy multitude, who, under the 
influence of bad men, and bad passions, gave Hemlock to 
Socrates, the greatest pliilosopher on earth; and banished 
their noblest defender, because he was called The Just. 
Sparta, is not to be named among the civilized nations of 
tlie world. Her citizens had no social feelings, no domestic 
aiFoclions, which render life worth possessing. The small 



r-^niiblics, %vhich have in inodciii times, gleamed on the ejs 
ot the patriot, like the cheeriny; rays of iporning portending 
-^jiQ, return of lif^ht and comfort, exist no longer. The de- 
fcendants of Tell and Rienzi,* wear the chains of oppre?- 
,sion. If we now turn our eyes to Europe, we behold two 
nations superior in power, science, and the arts, to the rest 
of the world. It will, therefore, be sufficient for our pur- 
pose, to compare the American government, Avith those oi 
France, and Great-Britain. France, though once free, has 
ocen i]\€. footstool of a despot. Her citizens, with chains 
about their neckf?, were dragged to fight tiie battles of a tj- 
)ant. who, drunk with power, regardless of the cry of in- 
nocence — the tear of beauty — the voice of humanity — and 
the mandate of heaven, rioted in blood. Like the " blast of 
the desert," he carried destruction in his train. Jiut France 
haa received another master. She is prostrate at 
the feet of her enemy. The clouds of despotism han^ 
over her, brightened by no rays of glory. To escape the 
whirlwind — she has sought the pestilence. When ^ve meet 
the cataract in its mighty course, we admire its grarideur, 
though we know our doom; but the noxious vapours of a 
standing pool, steal on the Vvings of the wind, poison the 
sources of life, and prey on the vitals of society. France is 
no more, the sun of her glory has set in blood." 

Can we then, in the English constitution, discover that 
O-eedom of which the Briton boasts ? Britain has no great 
fundamental principles above the control of her rulers. ' The 
trial by jury, " magna charta-' and even " habeas corpus,*' 
like the most insigniticant statute, may be repealed by an act 
of parliament. Every privilege of the subject can be wres- 
ted from him ; his happiness may be immolated on t\\c altars 
uf ambition, with all the form/ of the constitution.* And 

^ * A. D. ICyiT' " Nicholas Rlenzl, a private citizen of Iiome» but aa 
eloquent, bold, enterprizing man, and a patriot, set himself up as the 
restorci- of Koman liberty. Proclaimed Trli)ti]ie by the people, and 
put in possession of the capitol, he declared all t!ie i'nliubitants olTtaly 
i'i-ce. But these convulsive strug-g-les orionz^-expiring- Ireeiloni proved 
incfrectual Rienzi, as he attempted to imitate the Gracclij, met thf 
same (ate, bein^^ murdered by the patrician fuction.^' llussell's modei a 
Europe, 1 vol. p. 554. 

. * "V\^ ^*^^'» ^^^y^ Blackstone, 1 vol. p. 24G), ascribes to the king- in 
his political capacity uho'aue perfection. The king can do no v/rong- " 
A.id in p. 242, i:e says "her.ce it is likewise that bv lav,' the DorRo,'i'^.,f 



8 

will his fate be less severe, because, like the victim, he is 
le<l to the sacrifice, adorned with garlands, and attended by 
music ? But it is said that parliament are the representatives 
of the people. This is a fundamental error. The people have 
a voice only in tlie choice of the commons, and an insignifi- 
cant portion of the English nation, send a majority to that 
house. What security then have the great mass of the peo- 
ple against the encroachments of power .^ But even were the 
practice of the English government, equal to its theory, 
what is there for an American to admire ? It admits of or- 
ders of nobility—power like wealth is the subject of 
inheritance. What a monstrous violation, of the natu- 
ral rights and equality of man ! That spirit must be slavish, 
which is accustomed to acknowledge any order but that of 
merit. To bow down to infamy or weakness, must prostrate 
the noblest feelings of the soul. We bold it as an undenia- 
ble truth, " that all men are created equal," ours is the no- 
bility, of wisdom and of virtue. We can boast of a consti- 
tution, superior even to the laws, which creates the govern- 
ment, and confines each department to its proper sphere. In 
the pursuit of happiness, we have no restraint on our inclina 
tions but the innocence of our ends. Every avenue is opened 
to enterprise — ^genius and industry have no bonds to break, 
no obstacles to remove, no difficulties to surmount. Here, the 
ruler holds his office for a litnitted period, at the expiration 
of his term, he becomes again a private citizen. Washing- 
ton descended from the chair of state, like another Cincin- 
natus, to cultivate his farm, and Jetterson, unambitious of 

the king is sacred, even though the measures pursued in bis reign be 
i-ompletely tyranical and arbitrary ; for no jurisdiction upon earth has 
power to try him as a criminal, much less to condeimi him to piinishment?* 
Thus it is in the power of the king to destroy by his own hand the life of 
a citizen, without being ansiverable for his conduct ^'Tbe king ha« 
also tlie sole prerogative of ir.aking war," 257, " and he has the sole 
power of raising and regulating tleets and armies," 262. The practice 
of impressment, which has been acknowledged in England, subjects the 
/;6<rr/j/ of the citizen to every petty officer of the c«o\vn. Parliament 
can d'lvest him of his property \7llhout his consent. " A few thousands 
of electors send in the majority of the House of Commons." See 
Burgh's Political Disquisitions, I vol. p. 80, 81. According to this 
writer, (1 vol p. 45.) it appears that 254 members of Parliamcn- are 
actually elected by 5723 votes, the whole numbei of representatives be- 
ing 558. Newton and Old Sarum have each one elector and /wo reprssen- 
tdtivea, and Marlborongl) two of each. Let it be remembered tuo that 
railiaxrisat is said lu be ♦'omnipotent/* 



9 

.po\v€r, is now an Gamble pliilosoplier, ado^ni^g the paths qI 
private life. 

In England they have an established religion, and though 
bi<»-otry has ceased to persecute with fire and sword, yet one 
class of christia;>s only, are ?idmitted to a fall equaiiiy in civil 
and political privileges ; and can that country be happy or 
free, in whicli men dare Jegipjate for he^-ven^ and would in- 
trude the opinions of a sect, between the soul of man and its 
creator ? ll>;v/ mild, how l^enign, ho.\y beauteous is the coun- 
tenance of Religion, in t)iis happy land. Ifere we behold man^ 
bringing to hx$ maker the fruits of h^s heai t. In ;the apirit of 
t-ie meek and lowly Jesu-;, we exhort^ entreat pnd persuad;; 
men, we persecute none ; — thus truth triumphs over errpr, and 
fnen infidelity must rfev.erence the tj^^^tiii^es of the cros.?. 
Should the. siiis of this people provoke the vengeance of the 
A i mighty, may w.e not liope,.that this beautiful tra;,t in their 
rliaracter will intercede for themy and stay the uplifted arm. 
XV'ould not the recording angel, as he writes down the history 
of their oifejiccs^, drop a tear and blot them out forever ? 

Such, feUow-citizenSj ;s your greatly happy lot. Such is 
the legacy bequeathed to ng by our fathers, in trust, how- 
ever, for millions yet unborno 

From a survey of these blessings, we are naturally led to 
consider, the. causes which have produced them. America 
^vas destined by Heaven as the land of freedom. The enter- 
pri^slng genius of a llepublican, led the footsteps of Europe to 
this unknowii region. Cliristopher Columbus, a native of 
the repuiilic of Genoa, '• introduced the old world to an 
acquaintance with the new." Here the diiUren of nature 
roamed at large, free as the air they breathed. The Euro.- 
pean settlers fied from oppression, preferring the toils and 
dangers of a wilderness, to all the comforts of society bereft 
of freedom. Yet even here, they v/ere not permitted tQ .en- 
joy, t'le blessings tbey had secured to themselves. Britain 
reared in tlie school of oppression, e vtended the arm of pow'er 
across the Atlantic, and struck at the dearest rights of the 
colonists. It does not suit a freeman's spirit, or a patriot's 
pride, nor is it congenial with the proud feelings of this 
Ijay, to tell the degrading story of past wrongs. Our fathers 
drew not the-^ reluctant sword"against the mother country, un 
til she ^ad left them nothing they could call their own. En- 
treaty and remonstrance had been exhausted, in vain, to divert 
her from her rruel and bloodv mirpose. 8uch then, was the 



10 

ori^'^iri, of our glorious revolution. At the tii^t sound of tl.c 
tocsin a nation fiew to arms — the banner of freedom was un- 
furled, and planted on the ramparts of our country. Around 
it, vras rallied, genius, enterprise, and courage. In 
the front, youth emulous of glorj, marched to battle—- >in the 
rear, ago silvered o^er by time, moved v.ith slow but steady 
pace I — while remote from the bustle of the camp, was to be 
seen Beauty, shcddiDg tears over the wounds of the soldier, 
m\d Religio?? pouring orit her soul in supplications to heaven. 
Kcver has theic been displayed on earth, such noble enthusi- 
asm, such exalted patriotism, such wonderful unanimity. If 
we enter into tlie councils of our statesmen, or trace the 
inarch of our armies,, we find that '• equal in action as in high 
resolvcj" they conferred immortal honor on the American 
name. The Congress of seventy-sla:, exhibited a constella- 
tion of talent, that commanded the admiration of the world. 
We are assembled, to celebrate the anniversary of the great 
day, when that august body solemnly declared that ' these 
United Colonies are, and of riglit ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent States^ and wi^th a firm reliance on the protection 
of Divine providence, mutually pled,o;ed to each other their 
lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honour." Ail " head 
to counsel" and all '^ heart to act," they at once resolved, and 
made a nation free. 

The soldiers of the revolution, were not actuated by the 
common motives that lead men to tlie field of l)iood. They 
Avere not the humble instruments of a despot's vengeance ; 
tlioy did not foUovv' the car of the conqueror, triumphing over 
the liberties of prostrate and bleeding nations. With them 
" mercenary murder" was no trade. The soldiers of liber- 
ty, fought for their altars and their firesides. The temple of 
Janus v/as not thrown open, until propitiatory sacrifices had 
been oHered in vain. But when submission to the claims of 
Great-liritain, was the only condition on which peace could 
be preserved, they flew to arms. Then it was, that rallying 
arc ml the standard of their country, and " appealing to the 
Supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of their inten- 
tions," they marched to tlie field as citizens, fighting for 
themselves and their posterity 

** AVho'e pay was glory, and their best rewAi'd 
Tlie approYiug smiles of heaven." 

Equally distinguished was the conduct of every class in 



11 

the comiaiimty. Even in prison aiid in cliains ; the diinp:eon 
and the prison-ship, the patient lortitiide ol the Anici'lcau 
captive never once I'orsook him. And even thev, ^vho cast 
in nature's finest mould, sway with resistless power, the 
hest affections of ;he soul, checriully encountered poverty 
and wretchedness, without a tear. Their beloved country, 
deluged by the waters of affliction, oiTered no peaceful olive, 
ill which, the friglited dove, could find safety and repose. 

In tiie progress of a revolution, where ail performed so 
much, there are still examples of men, who pre-eminently 
distinguished themselves in the cause of liberty* On every 
return of this great day, they have lived in the aHectionati^ 
remembrance of their country. EnN ious time, cannot snatcii 
their names from the rolls of iame* They " sleep in 
blessings," their memory embalmed by a grateful country, 
their names registered in our hearts. They demand no eu- 
logy, but the recollection of their virtues; no tribute, but 
the imitation of their example. Yetwlien the achivements of 
our glorious revolution, or the high privileges of our country, 
are the subjects of contemplation, we must oiler the tribute 
of gratitude to the father of his country. The name of 
Washingtoic, is associated with all of these subjects, he was 
the child of liberty, he led us to triumph in war, and secur- 
ed us the blessings of peace. '" His soul was firm in danger, 
his arm like the tliunder of heaven." Methinks ! I see him 
now, as on that day when the sword of Aineiica was com- 
mitted to his care* 

** See what a grace is seated on liis brow ! 
• the iront of jove Inmself, 



An eye hke Mars to tlii-eatcn and command 
A staiion like the Ileruld-.Mercury 
Ke\v-ligl)led on a heaven-kissing- hill, 
A combnialion, andaiorm indeed 
Where every God did seem to set his seal 
To give the world assurance of a AIak." 

But who can follow this hero in his glorious cour-x .^ My 
pen refuses its office ; 

*' Come then expressive silence muse his praise." 

The peace that succeeded the revolution, soon recruited 
tlie exiiausted strength of the county, and tauglit us tl.e value 
of ration.ll liberty. Enterprise, freed from tlie rcutiainis of 



I2i 

p6v.-er, foimd out ncv/ channels of usefulness ; an<4 industrV/ 
secure of its reward, was led to greater excrtior.. Commerce 
once more reared her drooping head, unfurled her sails, and 
whitened the surface of tlie deep. Already hr^d the assuaging 
"hand of time, soothed tlie wounds of the revsintion, and th« 
.iiahle weeds of woe, been excliainged for the garments of jo}^* 
Cities emerged from the ocean, the " wilderness blossomed as 
the rose." Seated under" our owrivine and ourownfi|?,-tree,^' 
we beheld the convulsive struggles of Europe, without being 
lirciwil into the vortexi and treated all thB world " as enemies 
in w ar, in peace friends." But short was the duration of our 
repose. 

Britain could nCt behold the sudden prosperity of the Unit- 
ed States^ without recollecting that they w ere once her colo- 
zxtas. She looked with an eye of jealousy, on the rising 
greatness of a new republic. Long had she detlared herself 
the " Mistress of the Seas," and ih " Rule the Waves" was 
regarded by her as an inherent right. A determined spirit 
of commercial monopoly, presided in her councils, and dic- 
tated all her public measures. This spirit, had once before 
arrayed her against "a world in arms;" and was now again 
displayed, in the violation of our dearest rights.. Our com- 
rnercc was subjected to h^t arbitrary decrees ; new and mon- 
stroiis principles of blockade were promulgated ; our shij-'S 
were captured on i5\erj sea; and our citizens were enslaved. 

To submit to insult, ever invites aggression. France rcad- 
i'y followed the example of her eneuiv, and the nations $)f 
Europe s:.haied the spoils. It was impossible not to see, that 
resistance had become necessary, to the preservation of 
our independence. Now all national resistance must termi- 
nate in w ar, unless its cause be rcimoved. At every stage of 
these proceedings, v,e remonstrated without cifect, and nego- 
ciation was continued, until that word was hfiteful to the ear. 

But tliere is a point, beyond which, naticno/i feeling cannot 
be outraged with impunity. The blood of our seamen, slaugh- 
tered in the cowardly attack on the Chesapeake, had ascend- 
ed to heaven. The cries of thousands cf our fellow-citizens, 
immured in the iioatiiig dungeons of Britain, had pierced oUr 
ears. Even now while I speak, behold the impressed Ameri- 
can treated as a slave ! D5=;pair sits enthroned upon his brow, 
honor gleams in his eye, he casts a** longing lingering look," 
towards tliosc happy shores, he is destined to behold no more. 
'I'he wind noAv \vhi.>tles in the shrouds." and the careless 
watchman, declares thai '' all is wr^lL" We look into hi" 



18 

dungeon, and behold the torture of chains; the lasli of tyran- 
ny, employed in reducing to obedience, the free spirit of the, 
impressed American. Lacerated, and in despair, he at 
lenolh submits. Hard is his lot. To fight the battles of his 
enemy — to dye his sword in a brother's bloodj — ^to raise a 
parricidal arm against his country, and " like a Cockatrice, 
sting the bosom that has given liim life." Is this fancy .^ 
Have v> e not beheld the tear which started in his eye, as 
he thought of the joys which were past, and, beholding it, 
liave we not felt " what kind of sickness of the heart it is, 
-which arises from hope deferred f'' Have we not beheld the 
lifeless body of the American citizen, slain by his own coun- 
trymen, Ms precious blood streaming on a British deck .'* 
Who with the feelings of a man, can fold his arms at such a 
scei e, and say "'tis well P'' It is in vain to say that Britain 
wants not our seamen, and only seeks her own. The asser* 
tion is contradicted by the well-knovm fact, that she claims 
the subjects of other nations, who have entered into our trade. 
The immense number of Americans impressed, the absurd 
pretexts on which many of them have been taken, and the fast 
hold by v/hich they are detained, sp<*ak a language not to be 
misunderstood. But even this pretext has been removed; 
the American government has, by an ofticiai act, declared 
that they v/ould exclude British seamen from their service. 
Yet such offers are vain. The practice of impressment in 
j'act, originates in the w^ants of Great Britain, and its exercise 
will be limited only by tho<^;e wants. But it is not for us to 
enquire into the motives of Great Britain. It is enough for 
iis to know, that an American citizen has been enslaved, and 
we are bound to restore him to freedon. We are not to cn- 
■quire, into the alledj^ed necessity oi the practice, for the pre- 
servation of the British navy. Have we no country of our 
ov.n ? No liberties to preserve ? No rights to secure ? No 
flag to protect } In the best days of Rome, the name of a 
Roman citizen was a passport through the world; and sliall 
vre, so jealous of our rights, permit the sacred character of 
an American citizen to be outraged ? We are not worth.y of 
ihQ constitution under v.hich we live, if a wrong inflicted on 
the mv?anest individual of our country, is not felt as an injury 
to the v/hole community. 

Can that war then be unjust, which was waged for the 
preservation of our commerce, tl.'e honor of our fJao;? and 
the liberty of the citizen ? Our fathers fiev/ to arms to^ resist 
the, operation of a tax, and shall we do le^is for the personal 



14 

rights of tlie citizen ? they purchased witii their blood the 
independence of their country, and shall we surrender it 
without a struggle r Forhid it lieaA^n ! The spirits of our de- 
parted heroes, would mourn over our degeneracy, and liber- 
ty slied tears at the apostacy of her sons. What means the 
distinction that has been made, between the citizen who en- 
riches his country by honest industry at home, and him who 
more adventurous linds a home on tlie " mountain wave r" 
Are they not equally entitled to our care ? Our gallant tars, 
have proved themselves wortliy of protection ; their bosoms 
have been bared to the sword of the enemy 5 they have bled 
for us. And where is the American, who would surrender to 
his enemy the heroes who have humbled his pride ? The war 
in which we are engaged my fellow-citizens, was called for 
hy public feeling, it was sanctioned by justice, and demand- 
ed by public necessity. This is not a war of ambition ; we 
.can have no such end to answer 5 it was not wdged for con- 
quest, but in defence of our essential rights. 

In tlie conduct and result of this war, what noble subjects, 
^viil be furnished to the bard of future times ; what a theme 
for the orator ; what facts for the historian ! The <•' tide of 
song" will swc-ll again with the tale of other times, and the 
harp of anotJier Ossian, will sound the praises of the heroes 
who have stink in t!ie dark blue wave. The orator of our anni- 
versary will point to the tomb of the warrior, and kindle 
the iires of patriotism as he recounts the deeds of our heroes 
and the triumphs of our arms. 

Bear with me fcllow-^citizens, while 1 dwell on the animat- 
ing llieme. It would be unpardonable on this occason, to pass 
lightly over the events of this interesting period, or to ior- 
gct those, who have fallen ia the cause of their country. 

This has not been an inglorious war. Our misfortunes 
on thcland,have been compensated by our victories on the o- 
cean. Yetletit not be supposed, that we can boast of no trophies 
at hom??. Had not the exploits of our soldiers, been eclipsed 
)iy tlie splendor of our naval victories, the patriot would 
have found abundant cause of triumph, in the achievements 
of our army. Must we not survey with delight, the spirit 
that led our western aiid southern brethren, in numbers iim- 
iled only by tiie wants of their country to encounter all 
the horrors of savage w arfare r The prayers of * Carolina at- 

* A regiment from South-Carolina, under Col. Nash, were attacbea 
to Cicn. I'incki^ev'* iin.^ ^iMr.k»\r'l ■^gz'imx the Indiuus, and .ue s'ill ou 
ihini icrvice. 



15 

tend them to the field — ^her sons are with them. How am- 
jnating to behold the youthful Cro,^han, like another Leoni- 
das, with one hundred and forty followers defeating twelve 
hundred of the enemy! And to see the venerable Shelb}" 
his silver locks streaming in the winter's blast, leading once 
more to the field the sokliers of libqjrty ? Does the defeat of 
Proctor and the triumph of Harrison, afford no subject for 
congi^atulation ? Is the battle of Sackefs harbor, where 
Backus nobly bled — are tlie exploits of Johnson, Mitchell, 
Holmes, Forsythe and Appling, worthy of no eulojsy ? Yes ! 
these furnish abundant cause of triumph ; and were they the 
only trophies we could boast, this had notbeen an inglorious wai'. 

Let it be considered too, that the nature of our govern- 
ment, and the habits of the people, were unsuited to war. 
The people of the United States, inhabitiui^ a country ricli 
with every earthly good, were instinctively led to tlie love 
of peace. The principles of free government, do not incid- 
cate that rigid, blind obedience, wliich is the life of military 
enterprise. The citizens of a republic, can liardly be per- 
suaded to put on their armour, before they are marched to 
the field.* For more than thirty years, had the sword slept 
within its scabbard, when the thunders of war sounded in 
our ears. The citizen became at once a soldier — the sword 
of the revolution was unsheathed — ^but its blade was to be 
freed from the rust of thirty winters. 

From these causes, the commencementof this war was mark- 
ed by many unfortunate reverses. At the heights of Qiieen. - 
town, untutored valor had been forced to yield to the discipli- 
ned numbers of the enemy ; at the river Raisin, the incautious 
Winchester had been ensnared. The cowardice of Hull, had 
surrendered a gallant army to the enemy. But their's wa3 
" a victory witliout a battle, tropliies v/iVnout danger, and 
success without glory." The pride and spirit of freemen, whicli 
with elastic force ever rises in proportion to the greatness of 

* This is an an=!wer to the arn^umcnt that war was declared without 
sufficient prcpanition. To support lar^^'e standing annies in time oi' 
peace would be impolitic, and experience has shewn it to be impracti- 
cable to enlist men extensively except in time of war. Every man in 
this country has some ready means of support, he is attached to his 
home ; in Europe it is otherwise. It is believed tlie United sitates were 
in as ^reat a state of preparation as could have been anuined in one or 
two years. It had been already industriously circvdated, Uiat there was 
no serious intention of declaring war. This must have been believed 
had it been lont^er delayed, and tlien all further prenarAli^n woul'^ 
ii&ve become extremely difficult if not impossible. 



16 

the pressure, now mounted to a noble elevation. Thougii ilcs- 
pondence was here and there visible on the countenance of 
timidity; and disaSection impiously pretended toseethcfmger 
of heaven pointing to a dishonorable peacf*, yet tlie *^reat 
body of t\ic American people, looked anxiously around for 
some Washington to lead their armies to victoi-y. It was ai 
this moment tiiat the Immortal Piue joined the standard of 
liberty. What tremulous emotion is that, which at the ment 
tiom of his name, plays around the heart ? It is the " secret 
sympathy*' which binds us to the tomb of the patriot-sol- 
dier, whos'^ life was virtue, and whose death was fame. 
To dwell on t-ie history of departed worth is " softly pleasing- 
though it saddens the soul." Who on this sacred day, could 
refuse the tribute of his allectionate remembrance, to this lic^ 
ro of deathless fame ? l( we contemplate the character of ge- 
neral Pike, €i\e mmd is as fo"cibly struck with the remarkable 
incidents of a life devoted to hardship and danger, and en- 
riched by the constant display of unexampled fortitude and 
perseverance, as by a death, Vhich singular in all its atten- 
dant circunjstances, conferred immortal honor on the Ameri- 
can name. He became the chosen leader, of a patriot band, 
destined to tarn the scale of war. To judge of the noble 
feelings v/hich animated the bosom of our chief, let us behold 
with reverence, his last adieu to a beloved parent, xis a tri- 
bute of alfectionaie regard for an aged lather, he thus writes.* 
«< I embarkto-morrow.3 at the head of fifteen hundred choice 
'i troops on a secret expedition. If s'^ccess attend niy steps. 
" honor and glory await my name, if defeat, still shall it be 
" said, we died like brave men, and conferred honor even in 
«• death, on the American name. Should I be the happy 
- mortal destined to turn the scale of war, vnil you not re-- 
^'joice, oh! my father ? May heaven be propitious and smile 
'• on the cause of my country ! But if we are destined to falK 
.« may my fall be like Wolfe's, sleep in the arms of victory.'' 
You all know fellow-citizens, the history of that day, which 
eventuated in the capture of York. You well remember that 
dreadful explosion,which spread death and devastation througn 
our ranks. Yet our unpracticed troops, catching a spark oi 
that patriotic tire which glowed in the bosom of their leader, 
stood undismaved •' amid the mighty ruin," and marched 
forward to victory. But their beloved commander was des- 

* See " Xalional Ir.telll.qrencev'' 2d July, 1813. Letter coromunlcated 

to the editor. 



17 

iinedtofall. Yet was he gratified in Ms every wish. Heaven 
was propitious," and did " smile on the cause of his country" 

}iQ yjas " destined to turn the scale of war," and his death 

« like that of Wolfe, was sleep in the arms of victory." See 
the Godlike Man ! As ebbing life flows from his bleeding 
bounds, invoking the blessings of heaven on his country, and 
breathing his last sigh over the sufferings of his patriot band ! 
The standard of the enemy, at once the evidence and re- 
ward of Victory, is placed beneath his head — ^he dies content. 
« The tears of his countrymen will be his perennial monu- 
ment, and heaven will shed her holiest dew-drops on his 
grave." 

** Yet o'er his tomb, let no weak tears be shed. 
The common tribute, to the common dea^ 
But let the greai, the gen'rous, and the brave 
With noble envy sigh for such a grave." 

What blest spirit is that, which rises from the snows of 
Canada, and wrapt in clouds of glory, wings it way from 
earth ! It is the shade of C6vinpt'on ! Spotless as the snows 
on which he breatheji his last; bright as the cloud in which 
he ascended to heaven. See! it points to the walls of Que- 
bec, and seems to beckon his countrymen to follow him to 
glory. When the Amei'ican eagle shall be planted on the 
plains of Abraham, may thy spirit, illustrious chief! hover 
over us ; and ^vith the same devotion to our countrjy, which 
led you from the scenes of domestic ease, to brave the perils 
of war, we will march to victory or defith.* 

There is one theme connected with this war, that cannot 
fail to delight the heart of ^vtrj American. iPhe glory that 
has attended the career of our little navy, has shed a lustre on 
our land. This is the sun-beaiii, thdt will gild the darkest 
cloud of national adversity. In paying a just tribute to the 
achievements of our naval heroe^; I kijow that I carr with 
me the sympathies of all. Correctly to estimate the import 
tance of our victories on the ocean, we must advert to the 
character of the British navy. ; in the beginning, when the 

♦ Gen. Coving^ton was a man of highly cultivated mind and elegant 
manners. He was blest with an amiable wife, and several young chil- 
dren, and was master of a large f irtune. He left all of the'se when he 
thought he could be useful to his country. He was attached to Gen. 
Wilkinson's army durmg the last campaign, and was killed in Canada 
a.t the batde of WiUiamsport. He was an exceil€iil officer, v.ery mucli 
beloved by those who served under hiip. 



18 

heavens arid the earth were created, and the spirit of God 
moving on the face of the deep, divided the high land from 
the waters, the limits of human dominion, were fixed by- 
bounds, as immoveable as the foundations of the earth. When 
God created man, and gave him dofninion over all the earth, 
he limited to the " fish of the sea," his power over that ele- 
ment. Consistently with the will of the Creator, nations 
have acknowledged the freedom of the seas. It was reserved 
for modern times, pregnant with strange events, to oppose 
the decrees of heaven. " Britain," says an eloquent orator^^ 
*' presumptuously entered into a contest with God, and called 
the Sea her element." A thousand ships of war, were necessary 
to support the supremacy of this self-stiled " Mistress of the 
Seas." Her giant navy, had triumphed over the maritime 
rights of the world. The fleets of Spain, of Holland, and 
of France, had been destroyed. Already, had this haugh- 
ty tyrant, enacted a code for the government of her 
conquered territory, and, like Xerxes, cast a chain up- 
on the ocean, to bind the waves obedient to her will. 
Europe, as if spell-bound, moved only in the magic 
circle prescribed by her. It vi'as at this moment, that we 
were called upon to wage a maritime war with this powerful 
enemy. Never had victory been known to desert the British 
mast; the world acknowledged her invincible at sea. Yet 
with a few scattered vessels, we sought the conflict. " We 
met the enemy, and they were ours!" The trident was 
rescued from the grasp of an usurper, — the assumed empire 
of the waves was overthrovv^n. In our astonishing success on 
that element, God himself has proclaimed the justice of our 
cause. " Never," says an enlightened statesman,* " had a 
nation, when first obliged to engage in the defence of naval 
rights, by naval means, never had such a nation, the advan- 
tages and successes of ours. The naval glory of other states 
has risen by continued effort, and by slow gradation ; that of 
the United State's, almost without a dawn, has burst upon the 
^orld, in all the splendor of a tropical day." 

The history of our naval conflicts, is replete with incidents 
of the most interesting nature. Around the brow of every 
hero, the MTeath of victory is entwined, each however dis- 
tinguished by some appropriate emblem, which characterizes 
the conflict^ in which he subdued the enemy. The glory of 

♦ The Hon. William Lowndes, in his speech on the resolutions ex- 
pressive of the sense of Congress of the brilliant acWeveraents of Com- 
modore Perry and others. 



19 

our country is formed of the achievements of her heroes, as 
the rainbow, is composed of the various bright colors that give 
it beauty. 

The first laurel graced the brows of the modest Hull. 
His was more than a common triumph— it was the morning- 
star of victory, the harbinger of a glorious day. The messen- 
ger that informed us of the victory of Jones, told us that he 
was a eaptive.* Decatur first brought into our ports a 
British frigate. Bainbridge rendered more glorious the 
name of the "Constitution," and reaped a rich harvest of 
renown, in subduing a chosen vessel of the enemy. And how 
enviable is the lot of Warrington ! — he defeated an equal 
enemy, and restored to his country her valued sons, not one 
untold. All — all survived to receive the gratitude of their 
country — to share her rich rewards. In other conflicts, the 
tiiumph of the hero, has been checked by the tear, that is 
shed in honor of the heroic dead. The memory of a comrade 
who expired by his side, must cast a shade over all his joy, 
and mingle with every emotion of pleasure. But here all 
was transport — no sigh half supprest, checked " the genial 
current of the soul"=^ — no private grief, darkened the counte- 
nance of patriotism. If the Romans were right, fellow-citi- 
zens, in bestowing the highest rewards on tnose who saved 
the life of a citizen, what honors are due from Columbia to 
her hero, who in an arduous conflict with a valiant enemy, 
by his skill and courage preserved every citizen for his 
country ! 

Carolina, too can boast of her sons. Shubrick, has thrice 
encountered, and thrice subdued the enemy; and the 
gallant conduct of M'Call is distinguished from that of all 
others in this, that notwithstanding the fall of his commander, 
the lieroic Burrows, victory never once hovered over the 
British iiag though nailed to the mast. . And we. too. Gentle- 
men of the '76 Association, can rejoice in the valor of our 
brother, yet that joy is chastened by the tear that consecrates 
the memory of the lamented Edwards.* He was the com- 

* As soon as Captain Jones had taken possessidti of the Frolic^ ' r« 
hoi-e in sight, and both vessels were taken by her and carried to Ber- 
muda. 

* Lieutenant John J. Edwards of this city, son of the late Major Ed- 
wards. Commodore Perry in his official letter makes honorable men- 
tion of the services of Lieut. Edwards in the battle of lake Erie. An 
eleg-ant sword with suitable devices, prepared for him by the *76 asso- 
ciation, of which he was a member, had just been completed, but he 
did not live to receive it. 



20 

panion of Perry—- Ke bled freely in the memorable battle of 
the tenth of September, and while we were preparing for him 
the offering of love, death, the cruel spoiler came, and snatch- 
ed him from our view. Yet his fame is immortal — ^it is asso- 
ciated with the battle of Lake Erie. 

In these conflicts how much precious blood has been shedy 
bow many heroes have been torn from the wishes and hopes 
of their country ! Among them the fate of Allen, is pecu- 
liarly entitled to sympathy. He had already gained a name 
in battle. A mystery hangs about his fate, which time only 
can reveal.* That he did his duty, no American can doubt. 
We know that he fell in the cause of his country; we must 
lament however, thathe should have fallen among his enemies, 
'«by strangers honored, and by strangers mourned." 

America had just witnessed her lifth naval victory, when 
she was called to register in tears a hero's death. With a 
noble daring known only to exalted souls, Lawrence had 
encountered a superior enemy, in the presence of another 
and equal foe. As the forked lightnings of heaven, rend the 
lofty oaky blasting in a moment its branching honors, so did 
the'thunder of our cannon, humble the pride of Britain. The 
muse of history, will with delight record of our Lawrence, 
that he lost more men in a noble >eftbrt to rescue the unfortu- 
nate, than in the battle-starm. '^ The sword of Fingal, v^as 
never stained with the blood of the vanquished — it never 
pierced a fallen foe.f" Hovvf bright the contrast with the con- 
duct of the enemy. His steel is crimsoned by the blood oi 
the'^prisoner— he invades the. security of sleeping innocence, 
and violates the. sajictity of. beauty-s tears. 

Lawrence, on his return^ was met by the love and grati- 

.. • No official account has yet reached us of the circKmstanoes attend- 
ing the Joss of the Arg-us. From some hints w]\irh have appeared in 
t'lie Engush papers it is behcvcd that her surrender was hastened if 
jiot occasiioned by the near approach of a ship of the Una. 

f When the Peacock struck her colors she was in a slnknig- state, and 
so g'veat was the exertion used to save the crew,iliat nearly the whiele ot' 
them .were picsened. When she sunk a h;w gallant Americans wlio 
were siill enc^aj^eo in. the noble work went down wiih her. The number 
txcecdcd those lost in the buttle. But when the Chesapeake was caj>- 
vurcd by U e Shar.non, Lawi\nce's crew were shot down alter resistance 
hadceused, and " Midsh pmau Livingston, a small boy, (savs nn officer 
v>f the navy in a letter to Im liientl,) was murdered while clinging^ to 
the shrouds" When the schooner Asp was captur^:d the official letter 
states i'uit quarter was rej'ussd- 



tutle of his country. Ke was soon advanced to a staflcn. 
which opened new avenues to glory. His preparations for 
sea were not complete, when the enemy appeared in view. _ 
His ardent soul, impatient of insult — alive to honor — anxious 
only for battle— urged him to tlie contest. You well remem- 
ber, fellowtcitizens, the anxiety of the whole countiy for the 
fate of our chief, and. the deep gloom which settled on every . 
countenance, when our anticipations were realized. Ko 
event since tlie death of Washington, had excited so much 
feeling. To tl;e fall of the commander alone, can be attributed 
the result of that dreadful day. Oh !. had some kind spirit 
hovered over him, and like VenUs before the gates of Troy,^ 
shielded her favorite from the assaults of fate, the result of 
that day would have added another trophy to cur arms.* 

Lawrence was born a hero. History affords no example 
of a ruling passion, strong even in death, worthy to be com- 
pared with that of our illustrious cliief. Sweden's favorite 
king, in the convulsive struggles of de*ath, instinctively grasp- 
ed his sword. But the soul of the hero had fled, and the 
action proved only the martial habits of the pian. . Behold 
our expiring chief! — though reason has left her mansioiinhis 
breast, still speech is not denied, him—his soul wrapt in 
visions of duty and of glor}^ is intent on defending at every 
hazard, the ship cominiiied to his chariEiie. ^^- Doi* j give lu' 
THE snip'"—- are the last words that hang upon his dying lip^- 
"i^ow intervvoven with hia very soul, mutt have been the sen- 
tiinent of glory ! Americans ! cherish his memory-,— lot it bft 
" dear to us as the {[^^ which was his shroud, bright as the 
tars which adorn it.'' : 

But a hero stUl 'survives to do us lienor, v>hos? name like 
iiat of Nelson, will outlive the assaults of time — a hero 
dolized by his countrymen, and admired even by his enemie-^. 
The mind instinctively turns to the hero of Lake Erie. It is 
5ual when ^^ iields have l^een won," to bury in the cold grave 
f oblivion, the exploits of the private soldier, and if he fail, he 
escends to the silent tor.ib '' unwept, unhonored, and un- 
ung." The laurels reaped by all, uften grace the brows of 
neman. Reason, and feeling, cry aloud against so great a 

f It has been dedared by some of the officers of ihe Chesajreake tlirtt 
ad \here been i-w<nni meji on ihe quHrlfci'-tit'ck, the b( ardej-s vouul 
Hve been repelled. Can any one doubt that had Citptain I.a\v)«.:iK.e 
^rr.amed unhur':, this \voi>5d liavc been the case At ilic time of the 
aplui". the Shannon was m a tvorse fo:?di'.'.o:i tSan the Chesapeake. 



22 

v.Tonp;. Yd^lf in any instance, a commander could claim for 
himself ail the honor of victory, Perry is entitled to that dis- 
tinction. Our oilicers, and seamen, were brave, they did 
their duty. The blood that crimsoned the waves of Erie, 
sulliciently attests their heroism. And yet, had not Perry 
lived, their efforts must have been unavailing. He was the 
guardian-angel, that hovered over them in the hour of despair. 
To him, the survivors looked for. support and protection^ — the 
eyes of the wounded were rivett?,d on him — while the last 
CiTort of tlie expiring sailor, was to die by his side. AYonder- 
ful man !— his gallant crew lay bleeding around him — the 
Lawrence, (a name destined to be ^reat and unfortunate) is 
incapable, alike of annoyance or defence. But the fluctua- 
tions of the battle, were like waves about a .rock. The hero 
stood unmoved. Like Cesar he committed himself and his 
fortunes to a frail bark, and soonw'^. a^aiii behold him breaking 
tlirough opposing squadrons, and retrieving a battle that was 
lost. But v/hen he could exclaim " the enemy are ours," we 
see him bringing to the footstool of his God, the humble of- 
fering of a grateful heart, and devoting himself to the service 
cf the captive. What rev/ard does he claim from his country .^ 
l..ct it be recorded in our hearts — let it be proclaimed to the 
world, to the immortal honor of the gallant Ferry, that the 
only favor he bad to ask of a grateful country, v/as that his 
enemy, the unfortunate Barclay, might be r.estored to free- 
dom.* How does mercy, that (attribute of Goi^ himself, adorn 
the character of tlie hero ! Surely 



nature mig'ht stanJ up 



And sa> to all the v/orld, 'nUS V/A3 k xMAX. 

Let not, Fellow-Citizens, these bright examples be losfc 
V/hiie we pay the tribute of respect to those who have nobly 
conquered, or more nobly died, let us resolve to follow their 
example. We all have duties to perform ;■- -the most sacred 
are those which we owe to God, and our country. He cannot 
be a virtuous man, who is not a patiiotic citizen. Our couu- 
ti-y is at v/ar — and that state. brmg^s with it peculiar and ftiost 
sacred duties. It is a duty, to love our country in every sit- 

* Commodore Perry solicited as a personsl favor to himselftherelea.se 
cf the commander oV the i-'-'ritish iieet without his patoie---\vhich was 
done accordiiif^-iy. Cojnmodore Barclay has on a Ui:e public occaeiaii 
^Jcclai-'^d ills opponent a ^^iisrvua eiiev-.y. 



23 

-aation ; but when she is overclouded by misfortune, we ought 
to adhrrcto her, with the most filial devotion. True patrio- 
tism, " like ivy to the ruined tower, clings most closely to its 
object, when tottering in Vae blasts of adversity." 

The recent events in Europe, are awful warnings to us. 
By a revolution more extraordinary, than that which subjected 
kin<?-s to the sanctions of the law, France has again received a 
Bourbon to her throne ; Spain has reclaimed her Ferdinand ; 
and the chain, which bound the continent to the will of Napo- 
leon, has been burst asunder. Britain presides in the coun- 
cils of the French — monarchs arp subservient to her will — 
"thrones, pri?icipalities, and pov/ers,' •- bow dov/n before here 
One REPUBLIC only, does tha wide v/orld contain, and she 
ALONE, sKnds un for the universal rights of man. • OH ! MY 
CQUNTUY, " THOU MOVEST ALONE, who can be the 
companion of thy course ? The oaks of the mountains fall — 
the mountains themselves decay with years — the ocean 
shrinks and grows again, but thou art forever the same, re- 
joicing in the brightness of thy course!" 
. We must, Feliow'Citizens, be prepared for the worst. The 
veteran legions of the enemy, are even now, leaving the fer- 
tile fields of France, to reduce us to " UNCONDFnONAL 
>iUBMISSION." Is there a drop of bloqd in the veins of an 
American, that boils not at the debasing thought .^ " When 
the spoiler shall come, cursed be he, that keepeth back his 
sword from blood." Yet true to ourselves, we have nothing 
to fear. National difficulties should be shaken from the mind, 
as "dev.'-drops from the lion's mane." We have offered the 
.r'jhrp -branch, and will rejoice to receive a pledge of its ac- 
■" mce. ■ But could we submit to the claims of the enemy, 
■ ' at peace would be left 113 but the peace of slavery, v/iiai: 
'^< ;e but the grave ?" We arc fighting in a righteous cause. 
' lanity and justice, march with us to battle. The enemy 

- irmed the savage for the fight, and with the tomahawk 
seal ping' knife, wages war against innocence and beauty, 
ember the massacre at Rj^isin — think of the scenes ex- 
.ed at Hampton. 

"Thrice is he armed, who hath his quarrel justj 
And he but naked, iho' locked up in steel. 
Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted. 
And what are £tty — what a thousand slaves 
Matched to the sinew of a single arm 
That strikes for freedom.'* 



34 

Let U3 resojve then, my countrymen, to r.rave every dan- 
ger, to encounter every diHiculty ; — and if a hostile foot 
shall touch this sacred soil, let us with patriotic ardor, fly to 
the standard of our country, let our bodies be her ramparts, 
and HEAVEN ITSELF WILL BE OUR SHIELD, 



FIJVIB. 



